Free: Southern California Horses to Watch for week of Sept. 28
Southern California Horses to Watch for the week of Sept. 28.
CASS IN STONE
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Los Alamitos, Sept. 24, 4th
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 66
This maiden-20 set a fast pace, shook off his pace rivals, and got collared in another sharp effort. Claimed by O’Neill from Eric Guillot, he is sitting on a maiden win.
PACIFIC HEAT
Trainer: Pete Eurton
Last race: Los Alamitos, Sept. 25, 7th
Finish: 1st by 13 1/2
Beyer: 78
A 2-year-old first-time starter from a stable that rarely wins first out, this Cal-bred filly crushed. A sibling to stakes winner Long Hot Summer, she has a bright future.
FINEST CITY
Trainer: Ian Kruljac
Last race: Santa Anita, Sept. 26, 3rd
Finish: 4th by 4 1/4
Beyer: 82
This last-out maiden winner faced a tall order jumping into a stakes and moving to turf. She pressed a fast pace and did well to split the field. She looks tough next out in an N1X.
MOR SPIRIT
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Santa Anita, Sept. 27, 4th
Finish: 2nd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 83
This debuting 2-year-old colt ran superbly. He was off slowly from the rail, up inside to press the pace, briefly kicked away, and tired while clear of third.
Eskendereya colt has stakes potential.
CHIEF WARRIOR
Trainer: Vann Belvoir
Last race: Santa Anita, Sept. 27, 9th
Finish: lost rider
Beyer: N/A
Two turns was the right move for this maiden-30 gelding, but his apprentice rider ran him up on heels, stumbled, and fell off. Follow next time in a similar maiden-30 route.